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the Safety Signal
(Continued)
If you would like to
make a submission or
suggest a story idea
to be published,
please send your
information to Public
Information Officer
Deanna Beckham
Hargus, editor, via e-mail
to
dhargus@dps.state.ok.us
- 1 - or call 405-425-7708.
A look back at the year 2011
In a ceremony in early 2011, Commissioner
Mike Thompson was quoted saying, “... I will say
this, I really do believe in my heart that our best days
are ahead of us. With the team that we have right
now, I believe we have a great opportunity to do
great things.” With
the close of the year
2011, any number
of Dept. of Public
Safety employees
would certainly
agree with the
commissioner,
deeming the year
quite successful
under the
leadership of the
new administration.
The month
of January saw the
inauguration of a
new governor for
the state of
Oklahoma. On a
cold, snowy day,
Gov. Mary Fallin
was sworn to serve
as the first woman
in history to be
elected to the office. She had promptly announced
her appointment of Mike Thompson as commissioner
for the agency.
“Michael Thompson has dedicated his life to
protecting the people of Oklahoma and the United
States. I am happy to be given the opportunity to
select a commissioner whose competence and
commitment to our state have been proven many
times over,” said Fallin.
Thompson appointed Kerry Pettingill to be
promoted to colonel and serve as chief of the
Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
“I’m very, very excited about the opportunity
to be chief. I don’t take it lightly as most of you in
this room know,” said Pettingill at his January
promotional ceremony. “Twenty-eight years and nine
December 2011
months ago I
started this journey
by walking through
the doors of the
Robert R. Lester
Training Center.
All I wanted to do
was be a trooper. I
never even
dreamed that I
would have any of
the opportunities
that I’ve had, and
do the things I’ve
been able to do.”
Ricky Adams
was named
assistant
commissioner, and
thus was born the
new administration.
“I’m thrilled to
have Rick as the
assistant
commissioner, and
I think once you get
to know him better,
you’re going to like
him as well,” said
Thompson in Adams’ promotional ceremony. “Rick ...
thank you very
much for
accepting the
challenge.”
The same
month in the
Troop F area,
Capt. Ronnie
Hampton delivered
what his local
newspaper called
some “surprising
stats.” Hampton
said, “One of the
things as we got to
Newly appointed Commissioner
Mike Thompson (above middle)
taps Col. Kerry Pettingill (left) to
serve as chief of the highway patrol
and Asst. Comm. Ricky Adams to
lead the civilian side of the agency.
OHP TAC team members (above
right) survey the crowds gathered at
the inauguration while atop the
Capitol building. Pettingill’s and
his wife Melissa listen as Thompson
reads the orders for the new chief.
2011 (Con’d.)
- 2 -
looking at Pontotoc County,
what really stood out was the
amount of drunk-driving
crashes that occurred ...
compared to the other six counties that we have.”
In an effort to prevent such crashes, Hampton
said Troop F would start using aircraft to help
monitor traffic. A year later, he reported on the
payoff of the troop’s efforts.
“We’ve had pretty good luck. We have held
about 14 moderate-sized special emphasis efforts,
modified hours to maximum for troopers patrolling
on Friday and Saturday night until hours after the
bars closed, and we have made about 440 DUI arrests
which is more than a 100-percent increase from three
years ago,” said Hampton. “The majority of our
troopers have
really focused their
enforcement on
speed, DUIs and
the use of seatbelts
with DUI being of
the greatest
concern. One of
the philosophies
these guys operated
under is that an in-town
drinker is an out-of-town
crasher.”
Also last year, with
the addition of troopers who
transferred to Ardmore,
Hampton felt it was a good
opportunity to document the
change and had troop photos
taken. Masonic Lodge
members presented a plaque
of their appreciation to Troop F troopers and on
behalf of all troopers for their continued support and
dedication.
With the early months came record snowfall
throughout the state as troopers worked long hours
maintaining patrol and assisting motorists. As the
cold months lingered, several troopers participated in
the annual Special Olympics Torch Run Polar
Plunge. Some of them took pledges and donations
promising to plunge in the freezing waters every hour
throughout the night. With snow-packed mounds
surrounding the pool, troopers jumped in tandem,
groups or one at a time for almost
24 hours straight to raise money for
the worthwhile cause.
On his way to Burns Flat for
driver training in March, Trp. David Vasquez was
later hailed a hero for pulling a man, from the
dangerously close flames of a roaring fire caused by
a collision, to safety as the man’s wife stood by in a
frantic and watched, helpless.
Vasquez threw the 240-pound injured man on
his back and carried him to safety.
“He’s a hero,” the injured man, James Glass,
later said of Vasquez. “I could not have gone any
further. I just didn’t think there was any way he
could have picked me up and carried me .... and for
sure not that far.”
Later that
month, the
Oklahoma
Highway
Safety Office
presented their
annual awards
at the Traffic
Safety Forum
including the
2011 J.C. Burris
Memorial Award that
was given to Lt.
Garrett Vowell.
Vowell was praised for
his work with seatbelt
enforcement. Capt.
Bill James was
presented the 2011 Duane Clark Memorial Award
for his efforts in statewide impaired driving
enforcement.
The Trooper of the Year Award was
presented To Trp. Greg Williams who, because of his
quick actions twice in the year before, was
instrumental in potentially saving the lives of several
boaters.
In late June, Williams rescued a man who
was in distress, flailing his arms trying to stay above
water, approximately 100 yards from shore. Less
than a month later, Williams was advised of a vessel
fire and upon arrival rescued the boaters who jumped
from a 42-foot vessel scattered 75 to 250 yards from
the boat.
2011 (Con’d.)
- 3 -
Williams’ father Mike, a
highway patrol retiree, had received
the award some years before. It is
believed they are the first father/son
duo to receive the award.
An emotional father took
the podium.
“It was a few years ago that
I stood where he is,” said Williams’
father Mike. “I’m a very proud dad.
I’m a very proud trooper and ex-trooper,
and I love you all. And on
behalf of my family, we thank you.”
With April began a new
monthly tradition. Those civilians celebrating
birthdays would begin
being treated to coffee
and doughnuts with
the new
administration at the
behest of
Commissioner Mike
Thompson. The
monthly event has
garnered high praise
among employees
throughout the state
and has provided an
opportunity for the
administration to
meet, and better
know, their
employees as well,
the employees learn
about their
administration.
Perhaps the
most popular event
last year was the first
highway patrol appreciation
day gathering in late April.
With a very short amount of
time to organize, the event
came together and is still
being talked about months
later. Over 400 retirees and
some spouses and family
members came together to receive a summary of the
equipment and services now available to Oklahoma’s
citizens.
There were lots of hugs, and
photos were taken of folks who
hadn’t seen each other in years.
Thompson and Pettingill spoke
to those in attendance and
assured them more similar
events were sure to follow.
In the same month, Troop W
hosted the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators
boat crash
investigation
course while
retirees from
the Troop M
area and across
the state
gathered to
requalify for
firearms and
enjoy some
fellowship.
Many
employees
participated in
the annual
program “Take
Our Daughters and Sons to work Day” and were
treated to a day full of activities. At the end of the
day, one participant, Daton Lee Waters the grandson
of Sandi Stewart of Human Resources, read his
thoughts
about his
experience
in front of
the group
of special
guests.
He read,
“I got to talk to the troopers and learned what
some of the things are they do on their jobs ... I
met three troopers and they were all nice and gave
me advice.”
2011 (Con’d.)
- 4 -
In May, troopers were
well into their block training
requirements, a new way of
continuing education as created
by the Training division staff. The course is
basically a refresher as well as update in
everything from radar to driver training to
defensive tactics.
Kids of all ages participate in the
Operation Truth Boot
Camp at a church in
Oklahoma City. The event
is highly anticipated every
year and students are
taught to instill discipline,
a sense of pride, patriotism
and respect for themselves
and for fellow mankind.
Several members from the
highway patrol help staff
the program that
culminates with a marching
competition on the last day.
Within three days, Troop S
troopers wrote 257 citations, parked
189 trucks for violations, and took 63
drivers off the road. They participated
in Road Check 2011, a nationwide
crackdown to inspect trucks for the
driver’s paperwork, log book, truck
brake air lines, etc. Pettingill joined
members of the patrol in Davis to
observe the operation. “I was
impressed with the dedication they
displayed, although it was no surprise to
me,” said Pettingill. “I was pleased
with their teamwork and how they
shared the work load, in addition to
their expertise and
knowledge.”
A photo was
taken of a tornado running
right in front of Troop YC
headquarters on the H.E.
Bailey turnpike. Troopers
investigated damaged and
discovered downed power
lines, wrecked vehicles
and neighborhoods
leveled to the ground in Blanchard,
Oklahoma. Troop YC troopers
were also involved in
two major agency
assists the weekend of
June 24-26. A major
fire erupted in
Comanche County and
units answered many
calls for assistance in
addition to the request
for Command One to
help coordinate efforts.
Just before noon on the next day, an
escape was reported from the McClain
County jail. Troopers quickly located
the car stolen by the escapee and not
long after, the suspect was taken into
custody.
The Highway Safety Office won a
national award for a public
service announcement and
the 38th Cadet Lawman
Academy was hailed a
success, as the first six
months of the year came to a
close.
In addition of his duties to
oversee the civilian side of
the agency, Assistant
Commissioner Ricky Adams
held classes on ethics that
were attended by upper
members of management.
The new administration
supported the creation of a
Facebook page for the
department. It is a welcome
addition to the information being
made available to the public on a
up-to-the-minute, daily basis. It
is being updated by Trp. Betsy Randolph who
said, “We have agency employees that do
great things every day at work and in their
hometowns, and we want to spotlight them on
our Facebook pages.”
The chief of the highway patrol announced
the creation of a book to help commemorate
the 75th anniversary of the agency which will
2011 (Con’d.)
- 5 -
be acknowledged in 2012. Author
Bob Burke is in the process of
writing stories about the
highway patrol for a book that
will be published next year. In
the meantime, Burke has
requested that all members of
the patrol feel free to submit
stories, memories and
information from years past to
help create the book that will be
available to everyone.
Gov. Mary Fallin
addressed emergency personnel in
Command One during ongoing
wildfires throughout the state of
Oklahoma, and ensured them they
would receive the resources and
support needed to carry out their
mission.
Driver license exam
stations in Broken Arrow and
Stillwater worked with local
international students after hours
to create a more efficient testing
process for both parties
involved.
Members of the
highway patrol emergency unit
underwent specialized training
courses to learn the best in medical
education and skills. They learned the
advanced lifesaving skill that teaches
fluid replacement and intravenous
techniques, practicing on each other
to hone their new skills.
Capt. Gary Vinson was
transferred back to the Training
division to coordinate the 60th
academy which will begin in March
2012. He was instrumental in assisting
with testing in late 2011.
Troop G troopers
participated in the 21st annual
Moonlight Walk Against Drugs
sponsored by the Southwest
Oklahoma Crime Stoppers. This
year’s walk was dedicated to the
memory of Trp. Nik Green who lost
his life in the line of duty on Dec.
26, 2003 after an altercation with a
drug user whom Green interrupted
while the suspect was
manufacturing methamphetamine.
Many employees wore the color
purple to help promote awareness
about the issue of domestic violence in
Oklahoma. The District Attorneys
Council, the Office of the Attorney
General and the Oklahoma
Coalition Against Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault joined
forces to host the month-long
campaign. The commissioner
joined the effort by wearing a
purple tie and was photographed
with some of the employees who
participated in the worthwhile
campaign.
Trp. Joe Lang teaching defensive tactics.
Troopers assigned to Troop ES governor
and lieutenant governor security details attended
in-service training on October 31 and November
21. During the morning session, they were
trained on several new databases for Troop ES
which were the first databases designed on the
new DPS intranet.
“Special thanks to Kyle Zevenbergen,
Client Support, for his hard work and effort
towards this project,” said Lt. Chad Bradley.
The afternoon session was spent with the
executive aircraft pilots at Troop O who are
responsible for the maintenance and operation of
Oklahoma 1 or N1OK which is the state airplane
utilized by both the governor and lieutenant
governor.
“Troopers received in-depth training on
Oklahoma 1 including emergency and
evacuation procedures, radio communications
and aircraft operations,” said Bradley.
Troop ES employees attend specialized training
Standing next to Oklahoma 1 at the Troop O
hanger in Norman are Trp. Rex Grange (top left,
clockwise), Trp. Trey Harbin, Lt. Chad Bradley,
Trp. Steve Armstrong, Trp. Warren Phillips, Trp.
Jay Clary, Lt. Marc Page, Bill Hartsell and Jerry
Green, executive pilots. Bradley (above left),
Page, Hartshell and Green.
Troopers polish
tactics skills
- 6 -
Troop J news
Maj. Russell Maples
Troopers at Troop J
headquarters in Enid were
inspired by an officer from a
fellow law enforcement agency
last year who participated in
“Movember,” an event hosted
to raise awareness for men’s
health. The mission? To
encourage men to visit their
doctors. The challenge? To
start with a clean-shaven face
and allow your facial hair to
grow the entire month of
November. Since troopers are
only allowed to sport
mustaches, that’s where they
focused their energy in order
to stay within department
policy.
The idea for a
competition was decided at
breakfast one morning in early
October with several troopers
present. Lt. Brad Shepherd
suggested to everyone that
they participate in Movember.
The idea was met with
enthusiasm and the group
decided to challenge others,
even as far up the chain of
command reaching Maj.
Russell Maples. No one would
be allowed to shave his
mustache until the last day of
the month. They also decided
to award those who made it to
the end of the month with the
best and the worst in
moustaches.
So beginning November
1, everyone shaved and started
from scratch.
But low and behold,
Shepherd was the first one to
quit.
“He quit because he
‘couldn’t stand it any longer,’”
reports Lt. Bill Reitz who
himself made it to fruition. “I
rode him hard, telling him, ‘this
is your brain child, Mr. Team
Builder,’ and he quit.”
Shepherd responded.
“It grew straight out
instead of down, like a normal
mustache does,” said Shepherd.
“It looked more like a
porcupine than a mustache.”
Shepherd was asked if
his decision had anything to do
with vanity.
“Yes! It was 100
percent about vanity,” Shepherd
said. “I couldn’t walk out of
the bathroom into the kitchen
without my wife laughing. I
was beginning to get a
complex.”
Although he was the
first one, he wasn’t the only one
to throw in the towel.
“I hadn’t had a
mustache in 12 years, and I just
couldn’t take it any longer,”
said Maples.
In the end, about half
of the group quit. But
apparently it doesn’t pay to
drop out. Maples and all of the
others who dropped out were
presented alarmingly large
mustaches and the cameras
began snapping photos at the
recent Troop J Christmas party.
Those who stayed in the
contest endured even further
scrutiny when they took self-photos
and submitted them to
be judged. The photos were
cropped to show only the
mustache on each face. An
anonymous vote for best and
worst mustache was taken.
The best? Trp. Tanner
Beckner. The worst? Trp. Jim
Chaloupek, who, as it turns out,
has sported a moustache so
long his 15-year-old son
doesn’t ever remember seeing
him without it. In truth,
Chaloupek said he has had a
mustache for 35 years with the
exception of his 16 weeks in
patrol school.
Well, perhaps then, the
“best” should have been
presented to Chaloupek since it
appears he truly made the
biggest sacrifice within the
group.
“Most of us endured a
pretty good amount of ‘ribbing’
around town,” said Reitz. “But
you just have to take one for the
team sometimes. Suck it up!”
- 7 -
Those who made it to the end of the month are Trp. Gene Goodson
(left), Trp. Don Kraft, Trp. Jim Chaloupek, Trp. Randy McCullough,
Lt. Bill Reitz, Trp. Rick Wallace, Trp. Jeff Jech, Trp. Tanner Beckner
and Trp. Robert Cottrill.
Those who dropped out of the
contest are Trp. Ken Jordan (left),
Lt. Brad Shepherd, Trp. Kevin
Edsall, Trp. Ray Robertson, Trp.
Trent Cagle, Maj. Russell Maples,
Trp. John Marion, CO Jack
Duncan and Trp. Coby Snyder. Not
pictured: Lt. Tony Lucero
Photos: Lt. Bill Reitz
In an effort to protect the
innocent, one of these was
named the winner and the
other, well, you make the
call.
Mustache (Con’d.)
Close-ups of some of the Movember quitters include Trp. Ken Jordan (left), Trp. Kevin
Edsall, Trp. Ray Robertson, Trp. Trent Cagle, CO Jack Duncan and Trp. Coby Snyder.
- 8 -
December birthdays
Assistant Commissioner Ricky Adams (left) enjoys a laugh
with Dept. of Public Safety employees who celebrated
birthdays in December. Once a month, he and
Commissioner Mike Thompson gather with employees for
donuts and coffee in an effort to stay in touch with employees. Celebrating
were Randy Balthazar (left) Karen Gentry, Sylvia Kowals, Andrew Lucas, Anita
Bates, Kim Dammen, Joy Henry, Thompson, Barbara Listen, Latisha Moreland,
Adams, Kenneth Ragsdale, Will Rogers, Rhonda Larson and Tim Gay. Running
a bit late for the event was Branford Dodd (left, middle), Law Enforcement
Technology Development, who also celebrated a December birthday.
The DPS Activities Committee
planned a bake sale to raise money for
future events when the Employees
Council came to them with a special
request. The focus was quickly
changed to raise money for a co-worker
whose home was seriously
damaged in fire. As usual, employees
came together and raised money to
help one of their own. It was a great
success. Joining in the effort were
Janice Marsh (left), Cyndi Ellis (third
from left), Marlin Hillegas, Peggy
Goodson and Robert Tucker.
Employees take care of their own
- 9 - Cell photo: Candice Ramsey
Employee recruits help for special group of children
Ally’s House was created to support and serve
Oklahoma kids with cancer, as well as their families.
Annually, more than 17,000 Oklahomans are diagnosed
with cancer. Approximately 150 of those cases are
children under the age of 19. By far, the largest
contributor to Ally’s House is the Toby Keith
Foundation. Keith and his wife Tricia knew “Ally” and
watched her and her family suffer as her illness
progressed. Already a supporter of children’s causes,
Keith designated Ally’s House as the beneficiary of his
annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic.
The last several years, Lori Swanson has
Lori Swanson
(top left,
clockwise),
Frank Young,
Patrick Shadrick
and Brenda
Young prepare
gifts for the
cancer children
at Ally’s House.
- 10 -
Children (Con’d.)
championed the cause among
Dept. of Public Safety employees
who adopt cancer children to help
provide Christmas presents
during the holiday season.
“This year we had 16 kids
adopted out from the age of four
months to 17 years old,” said
Swanson.
She said several divisions
and employees got on board
including the Commissioner’s
Office,
Wrecker
Services,
Public Affairs,
Training, Trp.
Matt Wilczek
and wife
Cammie (and
her sister),
Barbara Ray,
Dept. of Public
Safety Credit
Union.
Another
supporter, Deanna Hargus recruited former employee
Michelle Day, assistant secretary of state, and longtime
friend of the department Neeley “Squeels” Clevenger;
both adopted children.
“We had two very generous employees who gave me
money,” said Swanson. “It’s so sad to think that a baby four
months old has to fight cancer. It’s very rewarding to know
you are making a difference in a child’s Christmas who has
had a hard time battling cancer in their young lives.
Hopefully it will make their year.”
- 11 -
Troop XB/XE news
For about seven years, it appears Lt.
Sheridan O’Neal has made a quite splash in
his neighborhood. He has outlined and
enhanced his home with colorful Christmas
lights but has topped it off with the crowd-pleaser;
an old OHP bubble light. “I don’t
have a ton of lights but I’m especially proud
of the top light. It’s one of our old bubble
lights that I have spinning on top of the
house to help guide Santa in for a safe
landing,” said O’Neal.
Pins and certificates
Commissioner Mike Thompson (left) congratulates
Jessica Stanco, Driver Compliance, for 10 years of
service, Georgia Steele, Driver Compliance for the
same, and Carol Heath for five years of service along
with Assistant Commissioner Ricky Adams.
- 12 -
Troopers, police officers and firemen from all over the state will be playing in
two benefit hockey games to raise money for the Oklahoma City Police Officer
Chad Peery Foundation. The first game will take place in Tulsa on January 29
before the Tulsa
Oilers game and
the second will be
in Oklahoma City
on March 25
before the
Oklahoma City
Barons game. All
proceeds will go to
the foundation.
“Contact me
if you are
interested in tickets
or contact the folks
in the poster,” said
Trp. Brandon
Seward. “Please
do everything you
can to help.
Purchase a ticket
even if you can’t
make the game.
Thanks and stay
safe.”
Troopers on the hockey rink
- 13 -
Troop B news
Troop B
employees
enjoyed a night
out together at the Perryman Ranch in Jenks, Oklahoma for their
annual Christmas gathering. Troop Secretary Judy Jackson (top,
clockwise) enjoyed her dessert. Dispatcher Tom True and wife Vicki
smiled for the camera as Col. Kerry Pettingill (left) spoke with
retiree Jack Choate, Sr. Santa gathered for a photo with all the
children who received gifts, and Choate, his wife Betty, daughter-in-law
Julie and son Lt. Jack Choate, Jr. pose for the camera. Capt. Jerry Reagan (left)
and Lt. Vern Wilson hand out “bad Santa” awards.
Photos: David Shed
- 14 -
Wife of Trp. Shaun
Vann, Sarah, received quite a
surprise while attending what
she thought was a regular
school assembly on Oct. 31,
2011. She was awarded a
$25,000 Milken Educator Award, one of 40 teachers
nationwide to be honored in the Milken Family Foundation’s
25th annual tour. She is a science teacher at Owasso’s Eight
Grade Center.
Photo: KOTV Channel 6, Tulsa
Photos: David Shed
Troop B (Con’d.)
Dispatcher Brandy Honey (top left,
clockwise) attends the event with
husband Mike. Capt. Jerry Reagan
(back right) with his family, son Jerrod (back left), wife Angela,
son Jordan (front left) and son Jacobie gathered for a photo as
did Melanie and Trp. Rusty Callicoat. Friend of the patrol Bill
Inhofe brought his granddaughter Addison, and Lt. Vern Wilson
brought wife Connie (left), daughter Reide Wilson who brought
McKayla whom she baby-sits. Also in attendance was Trp.
Antonio Porter (left) with wife Vandra and daughter Andranez,
a.k.a. “Muffin,” and his son “Jonte” in the foreground.
- 15 -
In November, in a park in Edmond, Oklahoma, the high
school track team from Collinsville finished runners up in
the state championship competition for the second year in
a row. Calling herself a “proud mom” and a “huge fan,”
Administrative Technician Janet Blissit, Troop B, sends the team’s photograph. “My daughter is a member of
the Collinsville Lady Cardinals Cross Country program,” said Blissit whose daughter Elizabeth is on the
second row, third from the left.
Deckin’ the Door contest resurrected
1)
2)
3)
4)
6)
5)
She
also
made a
point to approach Robert Tucker, Maintenance,
who brought it to the attention of fellow
members of the DPS Activities Committee as
well as the administration; all of whom promptly
supported the idea and subsequently issued the
challenge.
Eight division doors entered the contest.
Rohit Rai and
Christina Neidel
of the Homeland
Security Office
were recruited to
judge the
competition, and
joined Witten to
tackle the task.
Doors were
judged on
creativity,
originality and
wow-factor. The
Information
Technology’s
door won first
place with a pizza
party for their
division. Second
place went to the Driver License Services division and
third to Records Management. Other participating
divisions included Legal, Human Resources, Driver
Compliance and Highway Safety division.
The Information
Technology
division won the
contest by creating
a Christmas tree
(1) made of
compact disks
featuring a photo
of Assistant
Commissioner
Ricky Adams (2) as
a star topping the
tree.
Commissioner Mike Thompson (6) was also
featured as a star, and the words “Have a Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year” (4) were spelled
out in keyboard keys. IT employees Micheal Moery
and Charlotte Fullbright (5) served as a Christmas
Tree and Mrs. Santa, respectively, in the design.
Homeland Security’s Christine Neigel and Rohit Rai
judge the winning door.
2)
4)
Ann Witten, Driver Compliance,
recalled a time when agency
employees were encouraged and
enthusiastic about participating in
a Christmas door-decorating
contest. She felt the competition
should be resurrected and began
seeking interest by decorating a
few doors herself within her
division.
- 16 -
1)
4)
2)
5)
6)
8)
7)
10)
9)
3)
Doors (Con’d.)
Maintenance division employee and DPS Activities
Committee member Robert Tucker (1) loaded up the
judges and transported them via department mini-van
to the offices at Highway Safety who also
participated in the contest (6). Judges Christina
Neigel (3 left), Rohit Rai and Ann Witten made their
final decision. Division doors belonged to Driver
License Services (4) who took second place, Records
Management (5) who took third place, Human
Resources (7), Legal (8) and Driver Compliance
(10). Legal division employees (9) Tosha Lewis (left)
and Terri Dunn (right) created their division door
and greeted the judges during the event.
- 17 -
Driver
Compliance
employees (top
left, clockwise)
help themselves to
their “12 days of
Christmas buffet”
including Kenneth
Ragsdale (left), David Hawkins, Debby Mauldin,
Mike Bailey, Deb Sims, Larry Johnson, Teresa Nall
and Kelli White who is leaning in from her work
station. Hearing Officer David Hawkins is in the
Christmas spirit with a festive hat and snowman shades. Hearing Officers Peggy Goodson (left)
and Candice Ramsey show off their holiday hats; Ramsey even joined her brother-in-law Jessie
Granger who played Santa and passed out gifts to children in need. Hearing Officer Mark Ledford,
a staff sergeant in the military, visited his co-workers while on a short break from Afghanistan
where he then returned to continue his tour of duty on January 2. Ledford, Clint Dickson and Larry
Williamson joined Ramsey at the festivities.
Driver Compliance holiday fun
- 18 -
Photos: Candice Ramsey
At large ...
Everyone knows Janice
Marsh, Records
Management, always has
a smile on her face;
certainly a lovely accent
when she’s wearing her
Christmas finery.
Just because he took the time to
put the bicycle together doesn’t
mean he can’t try it out. Ladies
and gentlemen, Patrick Shadrick
of the Training division on the
Barbie bike he assembled in
record timing as a Christmas gift
for an Ally’s House child.
Yes, that’s a driver license
exam station in Yukon, to
be exact, and yes that’s a
man down on one knee with flowers and a ring.
In early December, a man made arrangements
with then-director of Driver License Services
Karen Gentry to propose to the woman he met in
that same location six months earlier and has
dated ever since. The surprised woman said
“yes” as family members watched her wipe tears
(above left) from her new fiance’s
face as he made what had to be one of the
longest proposals in history. He just couldn’t
control his emotions. It was a sight to see as you
can tell by the examiners in the background
(above, middle) who enjoyed the show.
Lt. Vern “Elvis” Wilson
poses for a Christmas
picture. Cell photo
provided by: Lt. George
Brown
Love found in an exam station
- 19 -

the Safety Signal
(Continued)
If you would like to
make a submission or
suggest a story idea
to be published,
please send your
information to Public
Information Officer
Deanna Beckham
Hargus, editor, via e-mail
to
dhargus@dps.state.ok.us
- 1 - or call 405-425-7708.
A look back at the year 2011
In a ceremony in early 2011, Commissioner
Mike Thompson was quoted saying, “... I will say
this, I really do believe in my heart that our best days
are ahead of us. With the team that we have right
now, I believe we have a great opportunity to do
great things.” With
the close of the year
2011, any number
of Dept. of Public
Safety employees
would certainly
agree with the
commissioner,
deeming the year
quite successful
under the
leadership of the
new administration.
The month
of January saw the
inauguration of a
new governor for
the state of
Oklahoma. On a
cold, snowy day,
Gov. Mary Fallin
was sworn to serve
as the first woman
in history to be
elected to the office. She had promptly announced
her appointment of Mike Thompson as commissioner
for the agency.
“Michael Thompson has dedicated his life to
protecting the people of Oklahoma and the United
States. I am happy to be given the opportunity to
select a commissioner whose competence and
commitment to our state have been proven many
times over,” said Fallin.
Thompson appointed Kerry Pettingill to be
promoted to colonel and serve as chief of the
Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
“I’m very, very excited about the opportunity
to be chief. I don’t take it lightly as most of you in
this room know,” said Pettingill at his January
promotional ceremony. “Twenty-eight years and nine
December 2011
months ago I
started this journey
by walking through
the doors of the
Robert R. Lester
Training Center.
All I wanted to do
was be a trooper. I
never even
dreamed that I
would have any of
the opportunities
that I’ve had, and
do the things I’ve
been able to do.”
Ricky Adams
was named
assistant
commissioner, and
thus was born the
new administration.
“I’m thrilled to
have Rick as the
assistant
commissioner, and
I think once you get
to know him better,
you’re going to like
him as well,” said
Thompson in Adams’ promotional ceremony. “Rick ...
thank you very
much for
accepting the
challenge.”
The same
month in the
Troop F area,
Capt. Ronnie
Hampton delivered
what his local
newspaper called
some “surprising
stats.” Hampton
said, “One of the
things as we got to
Newly appointed Commissioner
Mike Thompson (above middle)
taps Col. Kerry Pettingill (left) to
serve as chief of the highway patrol
and Asst. Comm. Ricky Adams to
lead the civilian side of the agency.
OHP TAC team members (above
right) survey the crowds gathered at
the inauguration while atop the
Capitol building. Pettingill’s and
his wife Melissa listen as Thompson
reads the orders for the new chief.
2011 (Con’d.)
- 2 -
looking at Pontotoc County,
what really stood out was the
amount of drunk-driving
crashes that occurred ...
compared to the other six counties that we have.”
In an effort to prevent such crashes, Hampton
said Troop F would start using aircraft to help
monitor traffic. A year later, he reported on the
payoff of the troop’s efforts.
“We’ve had pretty good luck. We have held
about 14 moderate-sized special emphasis efforts,
modified hours to maximum for troopers patrolling
on Friday and Saturday night until hours after the
bars closed, and we have made about 440 DUI arrests
which is more than a 100-percent increase from three
years ago,” said Hampton. “The majority of our
troopers have
really focused their
enforcement on
speed, DUIs and
the use of seatbelts
with DUI being of
the greatest
concern. One of
the philosophies
these guys operated
under is that an in-town
drinker is an out-of-town
crasher.”
Also last year, with
the addition of troopers who
transferred to Ardmore,
Hampton felt it was a good
opportunity to document the
change and had troop photos
taken. Masonic Lodge
members presented a plaque
of their appreciation to Troop F troopers and on
behalf of all troopers for their continued support and
dedication.
With the early months came record snowfall
throughout the state as troopers worked long hours
maintaining patrol and assisting motorists. As the
cold months lingered, several troopers participated in
the annual Special Olympics Torch Run Polar
Plunge. Some of them took pledges and donations
promising to plunge in the freezing waters every hour
throughout the night. With snow-packed mounds
surrounding the pool, troopers jumped in tandem,
groups or one at a time for almost
24 hours straight to raise money for
the worthwhile cause.
On his way to Burns Flat for
driver training in March, Trp. David Vasquez was
later hailed a hero for pulling a man, from the
dangerously close flames of a roaring fire caused by
a collision, to safety as the man’s wife stood by in a
frantic and watched, helpless.
Vasquez threw the 240-pound injured man on
his back and carried him to safety.
“He’s a hero,” the injured man, James Glass,
later said of Vasquez. “I could not have gone any
further. I just didn’t think there was any way he
could have picked me up and carried me .... and for
sure not that far.”
Later that
month, the
Oklahoma
Highway
Safety Office
presented their
annual awards
at the Traffic
Safety Forum
including the
2011 J.C. Burris
Memorial Award that
was given to Lt.
Garrett Vowell.
Vowell was praised for
his work with seatbelt
enforcement. Capt.
Bill James was
presented the 2011 Duane Clark Memorial Award
for his efforts in statewide impaired driving
enforcement.
The Trooper of the Year Award was
presented To Trp. Greg Williams who, because of his
quick actions twice in the year before, was
instrumental in potentially saving the lives of several
boaters.
In late June, Williams rescued a man who
was in distress, flailing his arms trying to stay above
water, approximately 100 yards from shore. Less
than a month later, Williams was advised of a vessel
fire and upon arrival rescued the boaters who jumped
from a 42-foot vessel scattered 75 to 250 yards from
the boat.
2011 (Con’d.)
- 3 -
Williams’ father Mike, a
highway patrol retiree, had received
the award some years before. It is
believed they are the first father/son
duo to receive the award.
An emotional father took
the podium.
“It was a few years ago that
I stood where he is,” said Williams’
father Mike. “I’m a very proud dad.
I’m a very proud trooper and ex-trooper,
and I love you all. And on
behalf of my family, we thank you.”
With April began a new
monthly tradition. Those civilians celebrating
birthdays would begin
being treated to coffee
and doughnuts with
the new
administration at the
behest of
Commissioner Mike
Thompson. The
monthly event has
garnered high praise
among employees
throughout the state
and has provided an
opportunity for the
administration to
meet, and better
know, their
employees as well,
the employees learn
about their
administration.
Perhaps the
most popular event
last year was the first
highway patrol appreciation
day gathering in late April.
With a very short amount of
time to organize, the event
came together and is still
being talked about months
later. Over 400 retirees and
some spouses and family
members came together to receive a summary of the
equipment and services now available to Oklahoma’s
citizens.
There were lots of hugs, and
photos were taken of folks who
hadn’t seen each other in years.
Thompson and Pettingill spoke
to those in attendance and
assured them more similar
events were sure to follow.
In the same month, Troop W
hosted the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators
boat crash
investigation
course while
retirees from
the Troop M
area and across
the state
gathered to
requalify for
firearms and
enjoy some
fellowship.
Many
employees
participated in
the annual
program “Take
Our Daughters and Sons to work Day” and were
treated to a day full of activities. At the end of the
day, one participant, Daton Lee Waters the grandson
of Sandi Stewart of Human Resources, read his
thoughts
about his
experience
in front of
the group
of special
guests.
He read,
“I got to talk to the troopers and learned what
some of the things are they do on their jobs ... I
met three troopers and they were all nice and gave
me advice.”
2011 (Con’d.)
- 4 -
In May, troopers were
well into their block training
requirements, a new way of
continuing education as created
by the Training division staff. The course is
basically a refresher as well as update in
everything from radar to driver training to
defensive tactics.
Kids of all ages participate in the
Operation Truth Boot
Camp at a church in
Oklahoma City. The event
is highly anticipated every
year and students are
taught to instill discipline,
a sense of pride, patriotism
and respect for themselves
and for fellow mankind.
Several members from the
highway patrol help staff
the program that
culminates with a marching
competition on the last day.
Within three days, Troop S
troopers wrote 257 citations, parked
189 trucks for violations, and took 63
drivers off the road. They participated
in Road Check 2011, a nationwide
crackdown to inspect trucks for the
driver’s paperwork, log book, truck
brake air lines, etc. Pettingill joined
members of the patrol in Davis to
observe the operation. “I was
impressed with the dedication they
displayed, although it was no surprise to
me,” said Pettingill. “I was pleased
with their teamwork and how they
shared the work load, in addition to
their expertise and
knowledge.”
A photo was
taken of a tornado running
right in front of Troop YC
headquarters on the H.E.
Bailey turnpike. Troopers
investigated damaged and
discovered downed power
lines, wrecked vehicles
and neighborhoods
leveled to the ground in Blanchard,
Oklahoma. Troop YC troopers
were also involved in
two major agency
assists the weekend of
June 24-26. A major
fire erupted in
Comanche County and
units answered many
calls for assistance in
addition to the request
for Command One to
help coordinate efforts.
Just before noon on the next day, an
escape was reported from the McClain
County jail. Troopers quickly located
the car stolen by the escapee and not
long after, the suspect was taken into
custody.
The Highway Safety Office won a
national award for a public
service announcement and
the 38th Cadet Lawman
Academy was hailed a
success, as the first six
months of the year came to a
close.
In addition of his duties to
oversee the civilian side of
the agency, Assistant
Commissioner Ricky Adams
held classes on ethics that
were attended by upper
members of management.
The new administration
supported the creation of a
Facebook page for the
department. It is a welcome
addition to the information being
made available to the public on a
up-to-the-minute, daily basis. It
is being updated by Trp. Betsy Randolph who
said, “We have agency employees that do
great things every day at work and in their
hometowns, and we want to spotlight them on
our Facebook pages.”
The chief of the highway patrol announced
the creation of a book to help commemorate
the 75th anniversary of the agency which will
2011 (Con’d.)
- 5 -
be acknowledged in 2012. Author
Bob Burke is in the process of
writing stories about the
highway patrol for a book that
will be published next year. In
the meantime, Burke has
requested that all members of
the patrol feel free to submit
stories, memories and
information from years past to
help create the book that will be
available to everyone.
Gov. Mary Fallin
addressed emergency personnel in
Command One during ongoing
wildfires throughout the state of
Oklahoma, and ensured them they
would receive the resources and
support needed to carry out their
mission.
Driver license exam
stations in Broken Arrow and
Stillwater worked with local
international students after hours
to create a more efficient testing
process for both parties
involved.
Members of the
highway patrol emergency unit
underwent specialized training
courses to learn the best in medical
education and skills. They learned the
advanced lifesaving skill that teaches
fluid replacement and intravenous
techniques, practicing on each other
to hone their new skills.
Capt. Gary Vinson was
transferred back to the Training
division to coordinate the 60th
academy which will begin in March
2012. He was instrumental in assisting
with testing in late 2011.
Troop G troopers
participated in the 21st annual
Moonlight Walk Against Drugs
sponsored by the Southwest
Oklahoma Crime Stoppers. This
year’s walk was dedicated to the
memory of Trp. Nik Green who lost
his life in the line of duty on Dec.
26, 2003 after an altercation with a
drug user whom Green interrupted
while the suspect was
manufacturing methamphetamine.
Many employees wore the color
purple to help promote awareness
about the issue of domestic violence in
Oklahoma. The District Attorneys
Council, the Office of the Attorney
General and the Oklahoma
Coalition Against Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault joined
forces to host the month-long
campaign. The commissioner
joined the effort by wearing a
purple tie and was photographed
with some of the employees who
participated in the worthwhile
campaign.
Trp. Joe Lang teaching defensive tactics.
Troopers assigned to Troop ES governor
and lieutenant governor security details attended
in-service training on October 31 and November
21. During the morning session, they were
trained on several new databases for Troop ES
which were the first databases designed on the
new DPS intranet.
“Special thanks to Kyle Zevenbergen,
Client Support, for his hard work and effort
towards this project,” said Lt. Chad Bradley.
The afternoon session was spent with the
executive aircraft pilots at Troop O who are
responsible for the maintenance and operation of
Oklahoma 1 or N1OK which is the state airplane
utilized by both the governor and lieutenant
governor.
“Troopers received in-depth training on
Oklahoma 1 including emergency and
evacuation procedures, radio communications
and aircraft operations,” said Bradley.
Troop ES employees attend specialized training
Standing next to Oklahoma 1 at the Troop O
hanger in Norman are Trp. Rex Grange (top left,
clockwise), Trp. Trey Harbin, Lt. Chad Bradley,
Trp. Steve Armstrong, Trp. Warren Phillips, Trp.
Jay Clary, Lt. Marc Page, Bill Hartsell and Jerry
Green, executive pilots. Bradley (above left),
Page, Hartshell and Green.
Troopers polish
tactics skills
- 6 -
Troop J news
Maj. Russell Maples
Troopers at Troop J
headquarters in Enid were
inspired by an officer from a
fellow law enforcement agency
last year who participated in
“Movember,” an event hosted
to raise awareness for men’s
health. The mission? To
encourage men to visit their
doctors. The challenge? To
start with a clean-shaven face
and allow your facial hair to
grow the entire month of
November. Since troopers are
only allowed to sport
mustaches, that’s where they
focused their energy in order
to stay within department
policy.
The idea for a
competition was decided at
breakfast one morning in early
October with several troopers
present. Lt. Brad Shepherd
suggested to everyone that
they participate in Movember.
The idea was met with
enthusiasm and the group
decided to challenge others,
even as far up the chain of
command reaching Maj.
Russell Maples. No one would
be allowed to shave his
mustache until the last day of
the month. They also decided
to award those who made it to
the end of the month with the
best and the worst in
moustaches.
So beginning November
1, everyone shaved and started
from scratch.
But low and behold,
Shepherd was the first one to
quit.
“He quit because he
‘couldn’t stand it any longer,’”
reports Lt. Bill Reitz who
himself made it to fruition. “I
rode him hard, telling him, ‘this
is your brain child, Mr. Team
Builder,’ and he quit.”
Shepherd responded.
“It grew straight out
instead of down, like a normal
mustache does,” said Shepherd.
“It looked more like a
porcupine than a mustache.”
Shepherd was asked if
his decision had anything to do
with vanity.
“Yes! It was 100
percent about vanity,” Shepherd
said. “I couldn’t walk out of
the bathroom into the kitchen
without my wife laughing. I
was beginning to get a
complex.”
Although he was the
first one, he wasn’t the only one
to throw in the towel.
“I hadn’t had a
mustache in 12 years, and I just
couldn’t take it any longer,”
said Maples.
In the end, about half
of the group quit. But
apparently it doesn’t pay to
drop out. Maples and all of the
others who dropped out were
presented alarmingly large
mustaches and the cameras
began snapping photos at the
recent Troop J Christmas party.
Those who stayed in the
contest endured even further
scrutiny when they took self-photos
and submitted them to
be judged. The photos were
cropped to show only the
mustache on each face. An
anonymous vote for best and
worst mustache was taken.
The best? Trp. Tanner
Beckner. The worst? Trp. Jim
Chaloupek, who, as it turns out,
has sported a moustache so
long his 15-year-old son
doesn’t ever remember seeing
him without it. In truth,
Chaloupek said he has had a
mustache for 35 years with the
exception of his 16 weeks in
patrol school.
Well, perhaps then, the
“best” should have been
presented to Chaloupek since it
appears he truly made the
biggest sacrifice within the
group.
“Most of us endured a
pretty good amount of ‘ribbing’
around town,” said Reitz. “But
you just have to take one for the
team sometimes. Suck it up!”
- 7 -
Those who made it to the end of the month are Trp. Gene Goodson
(left), Trp. Don Kraft, Trp. Jim Chaloupek, Trp. Randy McCullough,
Lt. Bill Reitz, Trp. Rick Wallace, Trp. Jeff Jech, Trp. Tanner Beckner
and Trp. Robert Cottrill.
Those who dropped out of the
contest are Trp. Ken Jordan (left),
Lt. Brad Shepherd, Trp. Kevin
Edsall, Trp. Ray Robertson, Trp.
Trent Cagle, Maj. Russell Maples,
Trp. John Marion, CO Jack
Duncan and Trp. Coby Snyder. Not
pictured: Lt. Tony Lucero
Photos: Lt. Bill Reitz
In an effort to protect the
innocent, one of these was
named the winner and the
other, well, you make the
call.
Mustache (Con’d.)
Close-ups of some of the Movember quitters include Trp. Ken Jordan (left), Trp. Kevin
Edsall, Trp. Ray Robertson, Trp. Trent Cagle, CO Jack Duncan and Trp. Coby Snyder.
- 8 -
December birthdays
Assistant Commissioner Ricky Adams (left) enjoys a laugh
with Dept. of Public Safety employees who celebrated
birthdays in December. Once a month, he and
Commissioner Mike Thompson gather with employees for
donuts and coffee in an effort to stay in touch with employees. Celebrating
were Randy Balthazar (left) Karen Gentry, Sylvia Kowals, Andrew Lucas, Anita
Bates, Kim Dammen, Joy Henry, Thompson, Barbara Listen, Latisha Moreland,
Adams, Kenneth Ragsdale, Will Rogers, Rhonda Larson and Tim Gay. Running
a bit late for the event was Branford Dodd (left, middle), Law Enforcement
Technology Development, who also celebrated a December birthday.
The DPS Activities Committee
planned a bake sale to raise money for
future events when the Employees
Council came to them with a special
request. The focus was quickly
changed to raise money for a co-worker
whose home was seriously
damaged in fire. As usual, employees
came together and raised money to
help one of their own. It was a great
success. Joining in the effort were
Janice Marsh (left), Cyndi Ellis (third
from left), Marlin Hillegas, Peggy
Goodson and Robert Tucker.
Employees take care of their own
- 9 - Cell photo: Candice Ramsey
Employee recruits help for special group of children
Ally’s House was created to support and serve
Oklahoma kids with cancer, as well as their families.
Annually, more than 17,000 Oklahomans are diagnosed
with cancer. Approximately 150 of those cases are
children under the age of 19. By far, the largest
contributor to Ally’s House is the Toby Keith
Foundation. Keith and his wife Tricia knew “Ally” and
watched her and her family suffer as her illness
progressed. Already a supporter of children’s causes,
Keith designated Ally’s House as the beneficiary of his
annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic.
The last several years, Lori Swanson has
Lori Swanson
(top left,
clockwise),
Frank Young,
Patrick Shadrick
and Brenda
Young prepare
gifts for the
cancer children
at Ally’s House.
- 10 -
Children (Con’d.)
championed the cause among
Dept. of Public Safety employees
who adopt cancer children to help
provide Christmas presents
during the holiday season.
“This year we had 16 kids
adopted out from the age of four
months to 17 years old,” said
Swanson.
She said several divisions
and employees got on board
including the Commissioner’s
Office,
Wrecker
Services,
Public Affairs,
Training, Trp.
Matt Wilczek
and wife
Cammie (and
her sister),
Barbara Ray,
Dept. of Public
Safety Credit
Union.
Another
supporter, Deanna Hargus recruited former employee
Michelle Day, assistant secretary of state, and longtime
friend of the department Neeley “Squeels” Clevenger;
both adopted children.
“We had two very generous employees who gave me
money,” said Swanson. “It’s so sad to think that a baby four
months old has to fight cancer. It’s very rewarding to know
you are making a difference in a child’s Christmas who has
had a hard time battling cancer in their young lives.
Hopefully it will make their year.”
- 11 -
Troop XB/XE news
For about seven years, it appears Lt.
Sheridan O’Neal has made a quite splash in
his neighborhood. He has outlined and
enhanced his home with colorful Christmas
lights but has topped it off with the crowd-pleaser;
an old OHP bubble light. “I don’t
have a ton of lights but I’m especially proud
of the top light. It’s one of our old bubble
lights that I have spinning on top of the
house to help guide Santa in for a safe
landing,” said O’Neal.
Pins and certificates
Commissioner Mike Thompson (left) congratulates
Jessica Stanco, Driver Compliance, for 10 years of
service, Georgia Steele, Driver Compliance for the
same, and Carol Heath for five years of service along
with Assistant Commissioner Ricky Adams.
- 12 -
Troopers, police officers and firemen from all over the state will be playing in
two benefit hockey games to raise money for the Oklahoma City Police Officer
Chad Peery Foundation. The first game will take place in Tulsa on January 29
before the Tulsa
Oilers game and
the second will be
in Oklahoma City
on March 25
before the
Oklahoma City
Barons game. All
proceeds will go to
the foundation.
“Contact me
if you are
interested in tickets
or contact the folks
in the poster,” said
Trp. Brandon
Seward. “Please
do everything you
can to help.
Purchase a ticket
even if you can’t
make the game.
Thanks and stay
safe.”
Troopers on the hockey rink
- 13 -
Troop B news
Troop B
employees
enjoyed a night
out together at the Perryman Ranch in Jenks, Oklahoma for their
annual Christmas gathering. Troop Secretary Judy Jackson (top,
clockwise) enjoyed her dessert. Dispatcher Tom True and wife Vicki
smiled for the camera as Col. Kerry Pettingill (left) spoke with
retiree Jack Choate, Sr. Santa gathered for a photo with all the
children who received gifts, and Choate, his wife Betty, daughter-in-law
Julie and son Lt. Jack Choate, Jr. pose for the camera. Capt. Jerry Reagan (left)
and Lt. Vern Wilson hand out “bad Santa” awards.
Photos: David Shed
- 14 -
Wife of Trp. Shaun
Vann, Sarah, received quite a
surprise while attending what
she thought was a regular
school assembly on Oct. 31,
2011. She was awarded a
$25,000 Milken Educator Award, one of 40 teachers
nationwide to be honored in the Milken Family Foundation’s
25th annual tour. She is a science teacher at Owasso’s Eight
Grade Center.
Photo: KOTV Channel 6, Tulsa
Photos: David Shed
Troop B (Con’d.)
Dispatcher Brandy Honey (top left,
clockwise) attends the event with
husband Mike. Capt. Jerry Reagan
(back right) with his family, son Jerrod (back left), wife Angela,
son Jordan (front left) and son Jacobie gathered for a photo as
did Melanie and Trp. Rusty Callicoat. Friend of the patrol Bill
Inhofe brought his granddaughter Addison, and Lt. Vern Wilson
brought wife Connie (left), daughter Reide Wilson who brought
McKayla whom she baby-sits. Also in attendance was Trp.
Antonio Porter (left) with wife Vandra and daughter Andranez,
a.k.a. “Muffin,” and his son “Jonte” in the foreground.
- 15 -
In November, in a park in Edmond, Oklahoma, the high
school track team from Collinsville finished runners up in
the state championship competition for the second year in
a row. Calling herself a “proud mom” and a “huge fan,”
Administrative Technician Janet Blissit, Troop B, sends the team’s photograph. “My daughter is a member of
the Collinsville Lady Cardinals Cross Country program,” said Blissit whose daughter Elizabeth is on the
second row, third from the left.
Deckin’ the Door contest resurrected
1)
2)
3)
4)
6)
5)
She
also
made a
point to approach Robert Tucker, Maintenance,
who brought it to the attention of fellow
members of the DPS Activities Committee as
well as the administration; all of whom promptly
supported the idea and subsequently issued the
challenge.
Eight division doors entered the contest.
Rohit Rai and
Christina Neidel
of the Homeland
Security Office
were recruited to
judge the
competition, and
joined Witten to
tackle the task.
Doors were
judged on
creativity,
originality and
wow-factor. The
Information
Technology’s
door won first
place with a pizza
party for their
division. Second
place went to the Driver License Services division and
third to Records Management. Other participating
divisions included Legal, Human Resources, Driver
Compliance and Highway Safety division.
The Information
Technology
division won the
contest by creating
a Christmas tree
(1) made of
compact disks
featuring a photo
of Assistant
Commissioner
Ricky Adams (2) as
a star topping the
tree.
Commissioner Mike Thompson (6) was also
featured as a star, and the words “Have a Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year” (4) were spelled
out in keyboard keys. IT employees Micheal Moery
and Charlotte Fullbright (5) served as a Christmas
Tree and Mrs. Santa, respectively, in the design.
Homeland Security’s Christine Neigel and Rohit Rai
judge the winning door.
2)
4)
Ann Witten, Driver Compliance,
recalled a time when agency
employees were encouraged and
enthusiastic about participating in
a Christmas door-decorating
contest. She felt the competition
should be resurrected and began
seeking interest by decorating a
few doors herself within her
division.
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1)
4)
2)
5)
6)
8)
7)
10)
9)
3)
Doors (Con’d.)
Maintenance division employee and DPS Activities
Committee member Robert Tucker (1) loaded up the
judges and transported them via department mini-van
to the offices at Highway Safety who also
participated in the contest (6). Judges Christina
Neigel (3 left), Rohit Rai and Ann Witten made their
final decision. Division doors belonged to Driver
License Services (4) who took second place, Records
Management (5) who took third place, Human
Resources (7), Legal (8) and Driver Compliance
(10). Legal division employees (9) Tosha Lewis (left)
and Terri Dunn (right) created their division door
and greeted the judges during the event.
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Driver
Compliance
employees (top
left, clockwise)
help themselves to
their “12 days of
Christmas buffet”
including Kenneth
Ragsdale (left), David Hawkins, Debby Mauldin,
Mike Bailey, Deb Sims, Larry Johnson, Teresa Nall
and Kelli White who is leaning in from her work
station. Hearing Officer David Hawkins is in the
Christmas spirit with a festive hat and snowman shades. Hearing Officers Peggy Goodson (left)
and Candice Ramsey show off their holiday hats; Ramsey even joined her brother-in-law Jessie
Granger who played Santa and passed out gifts to children in need. Hearing Officer Mark Ledford,
a staff sergeant in the military, visited his co-workers while on a short break from Afghanistan
where he then returned to continue his tour of duty on January 2. Ledford, Clint Dickson and Larry
Williamson joined Ramsey at the festivities.
Driver Compliance holiday fun
- 18 -
Photos: Candice Ramsey
At large ...
Everyone knows Janice
Marsh, Records
Management, always has
a smile on her face;
certainly a lovely accent
when she’s wearing her
Christmas finery.
Just because he took the time to
put the bicycle together doesn’t
mean he can’t try it out. Ladies
and gentlemen, Patrick Shadrick
of the Training division on the
Barbie bike he assembled in
record timing as a Christmas gift
for an Ally’s House child.
Yes, that’s a driver license
exam station in Yukon, to
be exact, and yes that’s a
man down on one knee with flowers and a ring.
In early December, a man made arrangements
with then-director of Driver License Services
Karen Gentry to propose to the woman he met in
that same location six months earlier and has
dated ever since. The surprised woman said
“yes” as family members watched her wipe tears
(above left) from her new fiance’s
face as he made what had to be one of the
longest proposals in history. He just couldn’t
control his emotions. It was a sight to see as you
can tell by the examiners in the background
(above, middle) who enjoyed the show.
Lt. Vern “Elvis” Wilson
poses for a Christmas
picture. Cell photo
provided by: Lt. George
Brown
Love found in an exam station
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